Transcriptional analysis of the mammalian heart with special reference to its endocrine function.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pharmacological and gene ablation studies have demonstrated the crucial role of the endocrine function of the heart as mediated by the polypeptide hormones ANF and BNP in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis. The importance of these studies lies on the fact that hypertension and chronic congestive heart failure are clinical entities that may be regarded as states of relative deficiency of ANF and BNP. These hormones are produced by the atrial muscle cells (cardiocytes), which display a dual secretory/muscle phenotype. In contrast, ventricular cardiocytes display mainly a muscle phenotype. Comparatively little information is available regarding the genetic background for this important phenotypic difference with particular reference to the endocrine function of t

SUBMITTER: McGrath MF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2694839 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature